Swimming is a better workout than running or the gym, here's why

As the days get shorter, a run in the park isn't always appealing, and the gym can be too crowded for a relaxing workout. Swimming offers a solution: it's accessible, affordable, easy on the joints, and an excellent cardiovascular workout.

Perfect for keeping fit until spring.

"Swimming is unique among endurance sports," Brian Johns, a former Olympic swimmer from Canada, told The Times . "Swimmers likely use their lungs more when breathing, which strengthens the muscles around the chest and improves lung function."

Research shows that competitive swimmers have a greater lung capacity than athletes of a similar build. The larger your lungs, the more oxygen they can deliver to your body.

Swimming can be quite energy-consuming, even if you don't always notice it when you're sweating; you're already wet, after all. Butterfly stroke is the most intense and can burn up to 900 calories per hour (although most people can't maintain this for more than a few laps). Breaststroke or front crawl is more sustainable, and you'll still burn 500 to 700 calories per hour. Running can burn up to 1050 calories per hour, but swimming is much kinder to your knees.

Swimming is also good for training your coordination. "Swimming is a technique-oriented sport and requires a lot of coordination," explains triathlete and coach Laura Addie. Front crawl requires coordination of your arms, legs, and breathing; butterfly involves simultaneous arm movements and dolphin kicks; and breaststroke is all about precision between stroke and kick. "Consciously working on your stroke and rhythm also helps in other sports."

A study published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Psychiatry shows that swimming also improves your mental health. "It helps improve your mood and reduce stress," says Addie. "Swimming laps slowly feels calmer than a fast run or a session at the gym."

Plus, you can't use your phone in the water, which adds to the relaxation. And the pool is "surprisingly social," according to Johns and Addie. Did you know, by the way, that many people swim incorrectly? Read here to learn how to do it right.

Swimming not only builds fitness but also muscle strength without putting strain on your joints. "It's a real strength workout for your shoulders, back, and neck, and of course, your arms," ​​says Johns.